Questions on sythetic saddles..

**gbarmranch** · 08-05-2008, 08:05 AM

I hate to admit it, but I am getting old... and not doing it as well as a fine wine..

My roping saddle I love - it is solid, custom made, and even with a little extra padding in the pudding, it still fits me to a tee..

HOWEVER... it is very heavy to lift up onto the back of Peppy *(who won't stop growing

)* - and will be for any of the others we keep around to start under saddle.. When Pat is there, I have no issues..

but except for Buttercup, it is a pain with the others..

I thought of looking into buying a good synthetic saddle for training and short trail rides.. anyone have ones they would recommend - ones they would not - and pros and cons generally of the synthetics..

My SIL has one that I rode in last year, and it was pretty comfy.. but it was also a high dollar one.. and I really would prefer not to spend quite that much - maybe a medium price range - if there is such a thing..

Carri · 08-05-2008, 08:08 AM

I have not had a synthetic western saddle, but I had a Wintec dressage saddle. It was VERY comfortable! The only reason I replaced it with a leather one is because I am going to start showing Opie in dressage.
If Wintec also makes a synthetic western, maybe that would be an idea? I saw an Aussie one in a shop the other day, and it made me really wish I had gotten a synthetic Aussie instead of a real one!

**gbarmranch** · 08-05-2008, 08:10 AM

Hmmm, I never thought of an aussie.. does it also have a back cinch/grith.. and do they use breast collars..

I want to train with equipment as close to what the leather saddle will have - just make it easier for me to put on them.. and make it lighter for the new horses to be worked in.. Our great old standby lightweight breaking saddle has finally been laid to rest..

cascy · 08-05-2008, 08:10 AM

I had a cheap-o 125 dollar abetta and it was nice, pretty comfy, lighter weight on my mare and easier to get on her (she is 15.2)...

The only draw back I saw was that it definetly needs a back girth, being so light weight, even a small hill would make the back flip up some. But other then that, I wouldn't mind to have one again, and even looked into getting one for jake

beezwing · 08-05-2008, 08:11 AM

Wintec does make a western synthetic saddle...but I have never laid hands on one.

but here where thinks mildew as soon as you put them down, I love the fact I can take a hose to my saddle, get caught in the rain, and nothing will happen to it
k

southernkissed · 08-05-2008, 08:12 AM

I have two, one weighs 14# and the other one weighs 18#, they are both very comfortable. The last one is a Super Trailrider by Abetta and has tons of padding in the seat gave $415. for it. The other one has ostrich trim not as much padding gave $250. for it. I like them both but prefer the one with all the padding.

beezwing · 08-05-2008, 08:13 AM

Aussie, no back cinch, yes breast collar

roberts617 · 08-05-2008, 08:14 AM

I love my Wintec. It's light and comfortable. I bought it new for about $280.. I think HighHorse has a used one on here, unless she sold it!

scrapchick · 08-05-2008, 08:14 AM

I have a Big Horn Leather/Cordura. Has a suede seat which is very comfy and a Ralide tree, but only weighs maybe 15 lbs or so, and easy to swing up on a tall horse. The stirrups can be easily adjusted which I like since I let Jesse and Amanda ride Cleo and we all have varying leg lengths. It is sturdy and comfy yet light as a feather. I have ridden a lot of miles in this saddle and would buy another in a heartbeat, plus I think it is good looking.

scrapchick · 08-05-2008, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbarmranch

Hmmm, I never thought of an aussie.. does it also have a back cinch/grith.. and do they use breast collars..

I want to train with equipment as close to what the leather saddle will have - just make it easier for me to put on them.. and make it lighter for the new horses to be worked in.. Our great old standby lightweight breaking saddle has finally been laid to rest..

I have an Aussie and its heavy. My leather Simco is lighter than my Aussie....

pvf · 08-05-2008, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cascy

I had a cheap-o 125 dollar abetta and it was nice, pretty comfy, lighter weight on my mare and easier to get on her (she is 15.2)...

The only draw back I saw was that it definetly needs a back girth, being so light weight, even a small hill would make the back flip up some. But other then that, I wouldn't mind to have one again, and even looked into getting one for jake

I have one that I'm getting rid of.. Its not wide enough for my chubby horses.. Otherwise I love it. Its great for everyday rides and stuff. To clean it you can just take a cloth and wipe it down or vaccum it. I bought it to use on Dixie but she is too wide.

**gbarmranch** · 08-05-2008, 08:25 AM

I need something that will fit his bay Highness Peppy.. are the trees big enough for most quarters - do they come in different size trees..

Scrapy this one sounds cool:

Quote:

I have a Big Horn Leather/Cordura.

Southerkissed, what is the brand of that first one..

I love the idea that the rain won't bother it.. and that they are easy to clean..

Slim Pikkens · 08-05-2008, 08:25 AM

I have a leather/cordura made by American Saddlery, which is identical to Big Horn but cheaper. I bo't it when I tore my rotator cuff. Country Supply has a good price on them which may include shipping. The cheaper ones have poor stirrup "leathers" which are more like seat belts and stretch, consequently ripping the nylon fenders.

**gbarmranch** · 08-05-2008, 08:26 AM

I don't want cheap - but that is good to know Slim.. I don't mind paying for a good one - just don't need top of the line...

Comfort for me is great - but it must be comfy on the horse since it will be used a lot on greenies..

DackelMom · 08-05-2008, 08:30 AM

I was also looking for a light weight trail saddle. I started with the Big Horn cordura ralide flex tree with the gel seat. Good looking saddle, has both cordura and leather on it. Easy to lift up on 15+ hand horse. After using it a few times, I found that the extra padded gel seat pushed me a little too far forward. I felt like I could not get my butt down in the saddle. Big Horn does make one without the extra padding in the seat. I think my big horn weighs about 25 lbs. I"ll keep it as a spare.

I then bought a Circle Y flex tree 2 Trail saddle called "Omaha". Love it!!!!!
Super solid, really good looking, fits my horse well and weighs about 27 lbs.

My husband uses an aussie saddle and it is heavier than both the Big Horn and the Circle Y.

**seerfarm** · 08-05-2008, 08:31 AM

Go Aussie Gbar....Most saddles are around 17 - 19 pounds. Good leather, comfort of English and security of Western. Yes with a breast colar. No back girth, but not necessary because of the over/under girth of an aussie. Fits my big boy like a glove!

scrapchick · 08-05-2008, 08:32 AM

I bought my Big Horn from someone barely used, but Country Supply (www.horse.com) sells them for well under $300 and free freight. I had to put stirrup turners on mine because the stirrups werent long enough for me but I know you wont have that problem.

**gbarmranch** · 08-05-2008, 08:33 AM

What brand do you have Seer... I can always break out with a back cinch, and will ride in my leather when I have my hubby "groom" to help saddle the tall ones ...

I love the idea of the comfort of english.. I do miss that close contact when starting newbies.. the feel is so much better then a big western saddle..

**gbarmranch** · 08-05-2008, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrapchick

I bought my Big Horn from someone barely used, but Country Supply (www.horse.com) sells them for well under $300 and free freight. I had to put stirrup turners on mine because the stirrups werent long enough for me but I know you wont have that problem.

Cute..

southernkissed · 08-05-2008, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbarmranch

I need something that will fit his bay Highness Peppy.. are the trees big enough for most quarters - do they come in different size trees..

Scrapy this one sounds cool:

Southerkissed, what is the brand of that first one..

I love the idea that the rain won't bother it.. and that they are easy to clean..

Its also an Abetta, it had dark purple ostrich trim and I dyed that black, also just take a water hose and spray it off. Both saddles take breast collar and back cinch. They are western.

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08-05-2008, 08:05 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 29,233	Questions on sythetic saddles.. I hate to admit it, but I am getting old... and not doing it as well as a fine wine.. My roping saddle I love - it is solid, custom made, and even with a little extra padding in the pudding, it still fits me to a tee.. HOWEVER... it is very heavy to lift up onto the back of Peppy (who won't stop growing) - and will be for any of the others we keep around to start under saddle.. When Pat is there, I have no issues.. but except for Buttercup, it is a pain with the others.. I thought of looking into buying a good synthetic saddle for training and short trail rides.. anyone have ones they would recommend - ones they would not - and pros and cons generally of the synthetics.. My SIL has one that I rode in last year, and it was pretty comfy.. but it was also a high dollar one.. and I really would prefer not to spend quite that much - maybe a medium price range - if there is such a thing.. __________________ Quality FoundationQuarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open – Thomas Dewar

08-05-2008, 08:08 AM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 10,086	I have not had a synthetic western saddle, but I had a Wintec dressage saddle. It was VERY comfortable! The only reason I replaced it with a leather one is because I am going to start showing Opie in dressage. If Wintec also makes a synthetic western, maybe that would be an idea? I saw an Aussie one in a shop the other day, and it made me really wish I had gotten a synthetic Aussie instead of a real one! __________________

08-05-2008, 08:10 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 29,233	Hmmm, I never thought of an aussie.. does it also have a back cinch/grith.. and do they use breast collars.. I want to train with equipment as close to what the leather saddle will have - just make it easier for me to put on them.. and make it lighter for the new horses to be worked in.. Our great old standby lightweight breaking saddle has finally been laid to rest.. __________________ Quality FoundationQuarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open – Thomas Dewar

08-05-2008, 08:10 AM
cascy Kid Safe Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 6,072	I had a cheap-o 125 dollar abetta and it was nice, pretty comfy, lighter weight on my mare and easier to get on her (she is 15.2)... The only draw back I saw was that it definetly needs a back girth, being so light weight, even a small hill would make the back flip up some. But other then that, I wouldn't mind to have one again, and even looked into getting one for jake __________________ To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

08-05-2008, 08:11 AM
beezwing Coming two Join Date: May 2007 Location: louisiana Posts: 1,742	Wintec does make a western synthetic saddle...but I have never laid hands on one. but here where thinks mildew as soon as you put them down, I love the fact I can take a hose to my saddle, get caught in the rain, and nothing will happen to it k __________________ “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words.” St Francis

08-05-2008, 08:12 AM
southernkissed Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: diamond p longhorn ranch, texas Posts: 120	I have two, one weighs 14# and the other one weighs 18#, they are both very comfortable. The last one is a Super Trailrider by Abetta and has tons of padding in the seat gave $415. for it. The other one has ostrich trim not as much padding gave $250. for it. I like them both but prefer the one with all the padding.

08-05-2008, 08:13 AM
beezwing Coming two Join Date: May 2007 Location: louisiana Posts: 1,742	Aussie, no back cinch, yes breast collar __________________ “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words.” St Francis

08-05-2008, 08:14 AM
roberts617 Seasoned Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Central Oklahoma Posts: 4,872	I love my Wintec. It's light and comfortable. I bought it new for about $280.. I think HighHorse has a used one on here, unless she sold it! __________________ Never be too quick to criticize yourself. It's not fair to all the people who are dying to do it for you!!

08-05-2008, 08:14 AM
scrapchick Seasoned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Festus, Missouri Posts: 4,837	I have a Big Horn Leather/Cordura. Has a suede seat which is very comfy and a Ralide tree, but only weighs maybe 15 lbs or so, and easy to swing up on a tall horse. The stirrups can be easily adjusted which I like since I let Jesse and Amanda ride Cleo and we all have varying leg lengths. It is sturdy and comfy yet light as a feather. I have ridden a lot of miles in this saddle and would buy another in a heartbeat, plus I think it is good looking. __________________ Better living through chemistry.

08-05-2008, 08:25 AM
Slim Pikkens Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,948	I have a leather/cordura made by American Saddlery, which is identical to Big Horn but cheaper. I bo't it when I tore my rotator cuff. Country Supply has a good price on them which may include shipping. The cheaper ones have poor stirrup "leathers" which are more like seat belts and stretch, consequently ripping the nylon fenders.

08-05-2008, 08:26 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 29,233	I don't want cheap - but that is good to know Slim.. I don't mind paying for a good one - just don't need top of the line... Comfort for me is great - but it must be comfy on the horse since it will be used a lot on greenies.. __________________ Quality FoundationQuarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open – Thomas Dewar

08-05-2008, 08:30 AM
DackelMom Weanling Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Penn Valley, CA Posts: 403	I was also looking for a light weight trail saddle. I started with the Big Horn cordura ralide flex tree with the gel seat. Good looking saddle, has both cordura and leather on it. Easy to lift up on 15+ hand horse. After using it a few times, I found that the extra padded gel seat pushed me a little too far forward. I felt like I could not get my butt down in the saddle. Big Horn does make one without the extra padding in the seat. I think my big horn weighs about 25 lbs. I"ll keep it as a spare. I then bought a Circle Y flex tree 2 Trail saddle called "Omaha". Love it!!!!! Super solid, really good looking, fits my horse well and weighs about 27 lbs. My husband uses an aussie saddle and it is heavier than both the Big Horn and the Circle Y.

08-05-2008, 08:31 AM
seerfarm Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portal, Ga Posts: 7,836	Go Aussie Gbar....Most saddles are around 17 - 19 pounds. Good leather, comfort of English and security of Western. Yes with a breast colar. No back girth, but not necessary because of the over/under girth of an aussie. Fits my big boy like a glove! __________________ The man who questions opinions is wise. The man who quarrels with facts is a fool.

08-05-2008, 08:32 AM
scrapchick Seasoned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Festus, Missouri Posts: 4,837	I bought my Big Horn from someone barely used, but Country Supply (www.horse.com) sells them for well under $300 and free freight. I had to put stirrup turners on mine because the stirrups werent long enough for me but I know you wont have that problem. __________________ Better living through chemistry.

08-05-2008, 08:33 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 29,233	What brand do you have Seer... I can always break out with a back cinch, and will ride in my leather when I have my hubby "groom" to help saddle the tall ones ... I love the idea of the comfort of english.. I do miss that close contact when starting newbies.. the feel is so much better then a big western saddle.. __________________ Quality FoundationQuarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open – Thomas Dewar